If you're like me, you feel the need to vote and yet a sense of apathy for the lack of action we see in government. I've been getting more acquainted with how policy works, which means how 'decisions' are made. Bills in parliament turn into decisions, regulations, or directives.

Policy is made through all interested parties expressing their interests; government, industry, and civil society. - we are responsible for making sure our MP is responsive to the needs of our riding.

Get informed: Resources

I attended an informative voting evening where non-partisan groups spoke about some of the issues surrounding environment. Why that matters to me: because healthy ecosystems give us healthy food.

TOP RESOURCES:

Dogwood Initiative -though environmentally-swayed, the interesting part is Dogwood sent out surveys to all BC candidates re: key issues. They did the leg work, you just need to read and decide who you align with in your riding.

Pollenize - breaks down each issue point-by-point and has a fun interactive method of engaging young voters. Click 'likes' to things you agree with and at the bottom it shows a bar representing the party you align with. PRO: super visual platform

CBC Vote Compass - it took me less than 10 minutes to complete the quiz that reflects my values and which party I should select, but downside is you don't know how responsive your MP is going to be in the case you want to communicate with them about an issue. PRO: it will represent your values on a 3D x/y graph (well worth the 10-minutes of reading) and bonus it will recalculate your results weighted on the issues you care about most!

TIPS:

1. identify what issues do you care most about

2. don't vote 'strategically' vote for what you believe

3. feel empowered - change starts with you.

What is my 'Canadian' identity

I can see that the decisions we make at the polls reflect what happens to our country. My specific interests are the sustainability of environment & food, balanced with health and industry. I still want funding to arts and community.

I also consider 'What I hold to be true as a Canadian.' I value our parks and fantastic natural beauty of our country, I want to preserve that while considering industry. There's lots to know and understand but that's my last-minute take in a nutshell.

Couldn't think of a better way to leave you, than this hilarious video with John Oliver. Perhaps it's that the piece ends with a singing beaver mocking Harper with a moose receiving a colonoscopy from the single pay healthcare system or the fact they likened the three-way race to 'Canadian three way' you will have to watch to find out why that's funny!